Abstract
Understanding the phosphorus dynamics in the ecosystem and its correct and accurate quantification is fundamental for proper decision making in water resources management. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the best analytical method for quantifying phosphorus using three distinct acid digestion methodologies for total phosphorus extraction. The study areas were the Barigui and Passauna Rivers which have different land use and soil occupation, as well as water uses. The results showed that all proposed methods have good reproducibility with R² greater than 0.98, for low and high concentrations. However, in the samples quantification, method 2 presented the most satisfactory results, in which the smaller sample volume and reagents used, shorter digestion time and good precision and reproducibility of P concentration of the samples stand out. Improper use of an analytical procedure or calibration curve may underestimate the quantification of P in samples with low concentrations by about 70%, highlighting the importance of good experimental design and concern for the quality of the information generated.
Highlights
Understanding the phosphorus dynamics in the ecosystem and its correct and accurate quantification is fundamental for proper decision making in water resources management
The results showed that all proposed methods have good reproducibility with R2 greater than 0.98, for low and high concentrations
Revista de Gestão de Água da América Latina, v
Summary
Understanding the phosphorus dynamics in the ecosystem and its correct and accurate quantification is fundamental for proper decision making in water resources management. The aim of this study was to evaluate the best analytical method for quantifying phosphorus using three distinct acid digestion methodologies for total phosphorus extraction. The results showed that all proposed methods have good reproducibility with R2 greater than 0.98, for low and high concentrations. In the samples quantification, method 2 presented the most satisfactory results, in which the smaller sample volume and reagents used, shorter digestion time and good precision and reproducibility of P concentration of the samples stand out. Improper use of an analytical procedure or calibration curve may underestimate the quantification of P in samples with low concentrations by about 70%, highlighting the importance of good experimental design and concern for the quality of the information generated.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
